Anderson House at the Battle of Lexington SHS

Founded in 1822, Lexington, Missouri, sits high atop the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River; the artery which brought life and commerce to Lexington, and around which much of our rich history is based.  Lexington still possesses a distinctly 'Gracious Southern Heritage,' and is known for the dramatic three-day War Between the States 'Battle of Lexington' (aka: 'The Battle of the Hemp Bales').   We were the original headquarters of Russell, Majors & Waddell, the primary outfitters for, and the supplier of goods along the Santa Fe Trail.  These three men later founded The Pony Express in St. Joseph, Mo. A few of the many points of  interest in Historic Lexington include Graystone Park, The Madonna of the Trail Monument, The Oliver Anderson House, located at The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and Museum, Lexington Historical Museum, the 1832 Log House, prestigious Wentworth Military Academy (WMA), The Linwood Lawn Estate, the beautiful 1847 Lafayette County Courthouse, and Lexington's tremendous accumulation of over 130 antebellum structures, both residential and commercial.

Lexington is a 'must-stop' for day-trip planners, and for overnight or weekend trips.  If you've not been to Lexington lately, then you have not seen Lexington!  This statement was never truer than it is today.  With our beautiful antebellum backdrop, we provide the amenities that you might expect in many large metropolitan areas, with a distinctly small town 'Southern Charm & Hospitality.'
"You will not experience the history, the phenomenal historic structures, and the amenities that Lexington has to offer anywhere within this close a proximity to the Greater Kansas City Area." -Lexington Visitor

Lafayette County Courthouse

Lexington is a vibrant community that promotes its historical background, while having a vision of the future. The new Missouri River bridge has provided quicker, safer access to the North, and expansion of 13 highway to the South is progressing nicely.  Our wonderful, and relatively new family aquatic center, provides area residents and guests with a state-of-the-art swimming and recreational facility. The Municipal Auditorium is available for a variety of civic and private functions, and serves as the center for Lexington's own 'River City Player's,' theatrical productions. The architecturally significant 1905 City Hall, with it's distinctive Cupola Dome, has been fully restored for use as a component of the new Lafayette County Court, State-of-the-art Detention Center & Office Complex, approved by a county-wide tax initiative.

Shop in Lexington's delightful and magnificent stores while you enjoy our museums by day, have a delicious meal breakfast, lunch or dinner, then enjoy a wonderful first-run movie, amidst an antebellum setting.  Our historic Bed & Breakfasts, numbering nearly a dozen, will help to make your visit a memorable one. 

One block east of the new theater complex, on the Southwest corner of 13th and Franklin Ave., is The Lexington Historical Association's  'Heritage Park,' featuring the Saluda Memorial!  The park, (with the landscaping still a work-in-progress), was dedicated on April 9, 2002; the sesquicentennial of the Steamboat Saluda's tragic explosion in 1852 at Lexington's 'Missouri River' Port. Approximately one-hundred victims perished (although estimates vary), after the Saluda's two side-boiler's exploded, throwing some victims over one-hundred feet into the air, onto the river's banks, as well as into the Missouri River.  Most of the victims were never found, accounting for the variance in fatality estimates.  The '1852' Citizens of Lexington responded in a kind and compassionate manner to this tragic and dramatic disaster.  The Community of Lexington possesses a phenomenal and well documented history, dating back to 1822, only one year after Missouri became a state!  Take the time to explore our historic community! 

COME FOR THE HISTORY... ...stay for the experience!